In a major step toward full digitalization of government services, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) officially announced the implementation of the Electronic Payment Portal (ePay) System. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize the bureaucracy and streamline public transactions through technology.
The ePay System is a secure digital platform specifically designed to handle miscellaneous payments, customs duties, and taxes for non-E2M (Electronic-to-Mobile) transactions. Crucially, it covers manually processed Goods Declarations under informal entry procedures—a segment of transactions that previously lacked automated coverage.
By transitioning away from manual processing, the BOC aims to achieve the following:
Enhanced Transparency: Minimizes manual intervention and limits face-to-face interactions, reducing the risk of irregularities.
Operational Efficiency: Accelerates the processing of informal entries and reduces delays for stakeholders.
Improved Revenue Integrity: Strengthens revenue monitoring and creates a robust digital audit trail for every transaction.
Inter-agency Interoperability: Supports a more connected government financial ecosystem.
To ensure a seamless user experience, the ePay System is integrated with Landbank’s Link.BizPortal. This serves as a centralized gateway, allowing stakeholders to settle obligations electronically through various authorized payment channels, effectively reducing the need for physical visits to BOC offices.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to make customs services simpler and more convenient for our stakeholders,” said Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno. “By expanding digital payment options, we are ensuring every transaction is handled with greater accountability. This is about making the system work better for the public while safeguarding government revenue.”
The BOC encourages importers, exporters, licensed customs brokers, and other stakeholders to adopt the ePay System immediately. To assist in this transition, the Bureau has provided:
Comprehensive User Guidelines: Detailed manuals on system navigation.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Instructional materials available on the official BOC website.
The Bureau of Customs continues to pursue targeted digital reforms under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership, staying at the forefront of the national agenda for a digitally-empowered government.
